The popular Ethiopian singer Teddy Afro has been sentenced to six years in prison for the hit-and-run death of a homeless man. The singer's attorneys are set to appeal the conviction.

After the Judge Leul Gebremariam ordered him to serve a six-year prison term and pay a fine of roughly $18,000, Teddy turned to the packed courtroom of friends and fans, smiled and pointed upward, in what friends said was a symbol of his trust in God, VOA's Peter Heinlein disclosed from Addis Abeba.

The reporter also noted that a heavy police presence outside the court complex prevented any demonstrations after the sentence was pronounced, but groups of young people milled around as news of the prison sentence spread. Most looked the other way when a reporter approached, he said.

Last Monday Teddy told journalists: "I never killed anyone, I didn't get justice from this court." as he left the court.

Addis Journal also reported that Teddy Afro's lawyer Million Assefa was sent to Kaliti prison on Wednesday with 50 days’ sentence for contempt of court. He was later released after the Federal Higher Court suspended the sentence.

Many ethiopians believe the charges against the popular singer were politically motivated. Demonstrations by Ethiopians in Europe and North America are being organized in the coming days. 

Please take few seconds to sign a Petition to Amnesty International & Human Rights Watch for Teddy Afro.

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